Empty Bowls community event - Jan 25 - Register now - only 25 spots open

"Registration is open for our 1st Empty Bowls community event.

Join us 1/25 to help make ceramic bowls to prepare for the 5th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on 5/7.

This event is only open to the 1st 25 people who register, so sign up today!"

Register here:
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/help-us-make-empty-bowls-to-fight-hunger/

Empty Bowls community event - Jan 25 - Register now - only 25 spots open (Franklin Food Pantry photo)

 
Shared from the Food Pantry tweet
https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1215332661402787840

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Thursday, May 2, 2019

Thursday, May 2

9:00 - 8:00: Post-It Note Collage at Franklin Public Library ~ In celebration of ArtWeek 2019, the Youth Services department will be building a Post-It Note Collage! But we need your help! Stop by anytime during the week to help add post-it notes to the wall. What will the final image be?? Only time will tell!!

6:00 - 7:00: Electric Youth Friendship Challenge—Anti-Bullying Workshop at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FREE)
Members of Electric Youth share their personal stories about friendship, and talk about why they are so important to them. Celebrate your stories of friendship in return and work together to bring these stories to life on stage! A special event for kids ages 8-12, in partnership with Bully: The Adjective. Sign up req'd. Register: 508-528-8668

6:00 - 8:00: Empty Bowls Dinner & Fundraiser at Franklin High School ($10/$20)
Help raise funds for the Franklin Food Pantry! Join us for a meal of soup and bread and take home a handmade bowl as a reminder that "somewhere someone's bowl is empty." Kids will also be able to make a bowl of their own to take home. Adults $20, Children $10. Tickets: www.franklinfoodpantry.org

6:30 - 8:30: Wine Tasting & Abstract Art Mixed Media Workshop at Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits ($12)
Abstract Expressionists emphasized color, composition, and emotion in mixed media creations. We will explore combining multiple processes like brushless painting methods, recycled and found objects, paper, altered books, and more to begin a personal visual art journal for collages and writing. As we create, we'll sample delicious spring beverages from Pour Richard's and tasty nibbles. For beginners & advanced artists. 21+ only. Tickets: www.thecreativitycurator.com

7:00 - 8:30: Open Rehearsal for The Chestnut Street Revue at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FREE)

Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Thursday, May 2, 2019

Your table awaits you at the Empty Bowls dinner May 2

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Have a seat at the table to end hunger Please join us! Next week our community will come together in support of the Franklin Food Pantry in our fight to end hunger. The 4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on Thursday, May 2 is a family-friendly event that raises funds and awareness for the Franklin Food Pantry as we work towards a hunger-free community. Here are some highlights of the event: Delicious soups donated by Whole Foods Market and 3 Restaurant, topped off with some warm fresh bread and a little something for your sweet tooth Kids can make a bowl to take home as part of ArtWeek, Franklin All participants are given a handmade ceramic bowl as a reminder that "somewhere, someone's bowl is empty" On site giving opportunities such as a Silent Auction of beautiful ceramic bowls, and a Giving Wall where you can purchase a bag of groceries for a Franklin family  Stop by the Franklin High School cafeteria any time between 6 - 8 p.m. and join us for a bowl of soup.  This very special evening is made possible through a wonderful collaboration with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. It reflects the hard work of a dedicated and passionate group of EB Club members, district K-12 art teachers, their students and Franklin community members.  We will be selling 350 tickets through our website on a first-come, first-served basis. You can buy your tickets now online. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=18& There are also sponsorship opportunities available for groups and corporations.  Thank you so much for your support. We hope you can join us! Franklin Food Pantry       www.franklinfoodpantry.org  Our facility is generously donated by Rockland Trust. We are located at 43 West Central Street, Franklin MA, on Route 140 in the Rockland Trust parking lot,  across the street from the fire station.

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by mgeorges@franklinfoodpantry.org in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: Empty Bowls dinner scheduled for May 2; Tornado hits Food Pantry in Franklin, Texas

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Empty Bowls dinner scheduled for May 2

"To help the more than 1,100 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the organization is partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club tor the 4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6–8 p.m. at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St., Franklin. 

The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to join in support of the Franklin Food Pantry. The open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 and 8 p.m. 

The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages. 

According to Amy Cataldo, the pantry’s interim executive director, “Many in our community are unaware of the level of hunger that exists in our own backyard. The number of families counting on the Pantry is the highest it’s been in four years. The need is very real. The Empty Bowls Dinner is an opportunity for our community to support our neighbors in need.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190415/empty-bowls-dinner-to-benefit-franklin-food-pantry

Empty Bowls dinner scheduled for May 2

Tornado hits Franklin Food Pantry in Franklin, Texas

"One of the hardest hit buildings in the tornado that struck Franklin Saturday was the town's food pantry. 

"Right before it hit it was getting pretty stormy," says Jerry Redden was with a group from church inside the pantry when the tornado hit. 

"My wife Cheryl asked (a) preacher to pray for the safety." 

Many from the community showed up in hours after to help, including members from an Austin charity called 7 Slot Response."

https://www.kwtx.com/content/news/Franklin-Food-Pantry-recieves-help-in-the-clean-up--508571941.html

Franklin, TX is about 145 miles south of Dallas.

More about the tornado that hit Franklin on Saturday, April 13
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/04/13/tornado-slams-central-texas-town-franklin-quite-injuries-reported/

4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner Tickets on Sale

To help the more than 1,100 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the Pantry is partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in the 4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 PM at Franklin High School.

The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to join in support of the Franklin Food Pantry. The open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 – 8 PM.

The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages.

4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2

According to Amy Cataldo, the Pantry’s Interim Executive Director, “Many in our community are unaware of the level of hunger that exists in our own backyard. The number of families counting on the Pantry is the highest it’s been in four years. The need is very real. The Empty Bowls Dinner is an opportunity for our community to support our neighbors in need.”

The Pantry distributed more than 300,000 pounds of food in 2018, which was a 24 percent increase over the prior year.

Empty Bowls Club Member Megan Torey
(left) and event attendee Kate Cataldo 

Cataldo said the event would not be possible without the partnership of the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and FHS Art Teacher Brenna Johnson. “Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Johnson, adviser for the Empty Bowls Club. “We have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year and have hosted bowl-making events open to the community. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls are given to attendees to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

The event includes a silent auction featuring more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. In addition, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to make a bowl to take home with them as part of ArtWeek. 

Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Seating is limited to 400 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

Your table awaits you at the Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1

Dear Friends,

In just one week, our community will come together in support of the Franklin Food Pantry in our fight to end hunger. The 3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on Tuesday, May 1 is a family-friendly event that raises funds and awareness for the Franklin Food Pantry as we work towards a hunger-free community. Here are some highlights of the event:

• Delicious soups donated by Whole Foods Market and 3 Restaurant, topped off with some fresh bread and a little something for your sweet tooth
• Kids can make a bowl to take home as part of ArtWeek, Franklin
• All participants are given a handmade ceramic bowl as a reminder that "somewhere, someone's bowl is empty"
• On site giving opportunities such as a Silent Auction of beautiful ceramic bowls, and a Giving Wall where you can purchase a bag of groceries for a Franklin family 

Stop by the Franklin High School cafeteria any time between 6 - 8 p.m. and join us for a bowl of soup. At 6:45 p.m., I will give a brief talk about how some of our families in Franklin are struggling with hunger. 

This very special evening is made possible through a wonderful collaboration with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. It reflects the hard work of a dedicated and passionate group of EB Club members, district K-12 art teachers, their students and Franklin community members. 

We will be selling 350 tickets through our website on a first-come, first-served basis. You can buy your tickets now online. There are also sponsorship opportunities available for groups and corporations. 

Thank you so much for your support. I hope you can join us!

Erin

Erin Lynch

Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry

Reminder: 3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1

To help the nearly 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the Pantry is again partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in the 3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School.

The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger. Featured speaker Erin Lynch, Pantry executive director, will present “Hunger in Franklin,” highlighting the impact of hunger on struggling local families. Lynch’s talk will be at 6:45 p.m., but the open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 – 8 p.m.

The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages. “We want attendees to understand the devastating effects that hunger can have,” says Lynch. “It is a very real problem for many in our own backyard. By working together as a community to fight hunger, we can better the lives of our neighbors in need. If you have enough to eat, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school.”

3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year, and have hosted bowl-making events open to the community. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls are given to attendees to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making ceramic bowls throughout the year, students volunteer the night of the event. It is a heartwarming experience to see these impressive young people so engaged with our community in such a worthwhile cause.”

The event includes a silent auction featuring more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. In addition, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to make a bowl to take home with them. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.


About the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club

Franklin High School is participating in an international charity project called Empty Bowls, which supports hungry people in local communities. The objective of the Empty Bowls Club is to teach students of all ages that they can make a difference in their local community. Club members, along with FHS faculty, district K-12 art teachers, and the Franklin community, make ceramic bowls throughout the year. Then, the Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry work together to co-host a community meal of soup and bread. All funds raised at this event are donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. The Empty Bowls Club has been sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to nearly 1,000 individuals. Clients have access to bread and fresh produce daily during Pantry hours. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Other programs include a Mobile Pantry, Cooking Matters classes, a Healthy Futures Market, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1 - Tickets on Sale

To help the nearly 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the Pantry is again partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in the 3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School.

The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger. Featured speaker Erin Lynch, Pantry executive director, will present “Hunger in Franklin,” highlighting the impact of hunger on struggling local families. Lynch’s talk will be at 6:45 p.m., but the open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 – 8 p.m.

The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages. “We want attendees to understand the devastating effects that hunger can have,” says Lynch. “It is a very real problem for many in our own backyard. By working together as a community to fight hunger, we can better the lives of our neighbors in need. If you have enough to eat, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school.”

3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year, and have hosted bowl-making events open to the community. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls are given to attendees to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making ceramic bowls throughout the year, students volunteer the night of the event. It is a heartwarming experience to see these impressive young people so engaged with our community in such a worthwhile cause.”

The event includes a silent auction featuring more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. In addition, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to make a bowl to take home with them. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.


About the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club

Franklin High School is participating in an international charity project called Empty Bowls, which supports hungry people in local communities. The objective of the Empty Bowls Club is to teach students of all ages that they can make a difference in their local community. Club members, along with FHS faculty, district K-12 art teachers, and the Franklin community, make ceramic bowls throughout the year. Then, the Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry work together to co-host a community meal of soup and bread. All funds raised at this event are donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. The Empty Bowls Club has been sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to nearly 1,000 individuals. Clients have access to bread and fresh produce daily during Pantry hours. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Other programs include a Mobile Pantry, Cooking Matters classes, a Healthy Futures Market, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

In the News: Pack 126 Eagle Scouts; Empty Bowls dinner tickets on sale; RMV shuts down this weekend

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Salvator Balkus, Daniel Hickey, Samuel Molloy, Seamus Reardon and Daniel Schratz, members of the Boy Scout Troop #126 and residents of Franklin, earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that the Boy Scouts offers. Only 3-4 percent of Boy Scout members attain this honor. 

Salvator Balkus is a senior at Franklin High School. In the troop, he has previously served as patrol leader and webmaster. In addition to scouting, Balkus is very involved in the FHS Mock Trial team, where he argues cases and gives expert testimony in court. He is also a National Honor Society member, competes in sprinting and high jump for the high school spring track team, and works at the Panther Help Desk helping students and solving technological issues with school computers. 

Last year he completed his Eagle project, in which he helped the Franklin Historical Commission digitally compile data and redesign the website for their museum. The project involved eight dedicated volunteers and over 80 hours of work. These volunteers created data spreadsheets to record military veteran information from World War I, World War II, the Spanish-American War and the Revolutionary War. They also scanned portraits, recorded data on historic properties and digitalized a timeline of Franklin history."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/strongboy-scout-troop-126-members-earn-eagle-scout-distinctionstrong

"Pick up your spoons. 

Franklin High School’s annual community Empty Bowls Dinner will be held May 1, and tickets can be bought online. 

To help the nearly 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the pantry is again partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. In the last two years, the club has raised about $11,000. 

There were 250 tickets sold for last year’s event. The club is hoping to sell an additional 100 this year. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children. Soup and bread will be served by the club’s students, and everyone will take home a hand-crafted bowl made by the students and community members."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/franklins-empty-bowls-club-to-host-dinner

"Need to get your car inspected? 

Don’t plan on heading to the shop this weekend. 

The state Registry of Motor Vehicles will close 7 p.m. Thursday, and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. Monday, March 26. Anything associated with the Registry – like your car’s new inspection sticker – will be inaccessible during that time. 

“We’ve tried to do everything we can to make our customers aware,” Lauren Dias, of Hopkinton’s Lumber Street Auto Repair said. “It shuts us down for that period of time.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/registry-of-motor-vehicles-to-shut-down-friday

Registry of Motor Vehicles will close 7 p.m. Thursday, and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. Monday, March 26

3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1 - Tickets on Sale Now

To help the nearly 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the Pantry is again partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in the 3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School.

The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger. Featured speaker Erin Lynch, Pantry executive director, will present “Hunger in Franklin,” highlighting the impact of hunger on struggling local families. Lynch’s talk will be at 6:45 p.m., but the open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 – 8 p.m.

3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1 

The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages. “We want attendees to understand the devastating effects that hunger can have,” says Lynch. “It is a very real problem for many in our own backyard. By working together as a community to fight hunger, we can better the lives of our neighbors in need. If you have enough to eat, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school.”

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year, and have hosted bowl-making events open to the community. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls are given to attendees to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making ceramic bowls throughout the year, students volunteer the night of the event. It is a heartwarming experience to see these impressive young people so engaged with our community in such a worthwhile cause.”

The event includes a silent auction featuring more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. In addition, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to make a bowl to take home with them. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.


About the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club

Franklin High School is participating in an international charity project called Empty Bowls, which supports hungry people in local communities. The objective of the Empty Bowls Club is to teach students of all ages that they can make a difference in their local community. Club members, along with FHS faculty, district K-12 art teachers, and the Franklin community, make ceramic bowls throughout the year. Then, the Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry work together to co-host a community meal of soup and bread. All funds raised at this event are donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. The Empty Bowls Club has been sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to nearly 1,000 individuals. Clients have access to bread and fresh produce daily during Pantry hours. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Other programs include a Mobile Pantry, Cooking Matters classes, a Healthy Futures Market, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Kids, Clay and Community - Grades 3-5 - an Empty Bowls Project

Kids, Clay and Community — Grades 3-5 

an Empty Bowls Project

Check the flyer for the schedule. Sessions for each elementary school are set for Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 PM at Franklin High School.

About Empty Bowls: Empty Bowls is charity project, which works towards fighting hunger in local communities. The Empty Bowls Club at Franklin High School will spend the year making 400 ceramic bowls teaching students how art can make a difference. At the conclusion of this project, The Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry will co-host a fund-raiser at the high school on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. 

About Kids Corner: Kids’ Corner, a program of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and Lifelong Community Learning, is a unique collection of after school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children’s creativity …… a place where fun and learning meet.

Kids, Clay and Community - Grades 3-5 - an Empty Bowls Project

Franklin Almanac - Episode 4 (video)

Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 4 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

• Relay for Life (Franklin, Bellingham, Wrentham)
• Empty Bowls - FHS fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry
• Blood drives for Boston Children's Hospital

More about the Empty Bowls program and to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/volunteer/empty-bowls/

More about the Sabini-Leite twin's blood drives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/blood-drive-march-4-hockomock-ymca.html

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School
coordinate blood drives for the Boston Children's Hospital

Empty Bowls Dinner Promotes Hunger Awareness “Somewhere, Someone’s Bowl is Empty”

With more than 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, a movement is underway to educate the community about the level and impact of hunger in Franklin. A dinner featuring a simple meal of soup and bread will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger.

The 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School will remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event, co-hosted by the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry, is a family-friendly event and caters to all ages.

Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club students
(standing, left to right), Julia Mahon and Jess Netto,
helped participants in a recent Empty Bowls Project event 

“We hope attendees gain a better awareness of the impact of hunger in our community,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Reducing hunger leads to a healthier community. If you aren’t hungry, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school. If we can work together to help our neighbors in need, our community will be stronger.”

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. They have also hosted bowl-making events open to the community.

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making the bowls, they will volunteer the night of the event. They were a huge help at our first dinner held last year which was a sell-out success and attracted 250 people. We are thrilled to be able to accommodate 350 attendees this year!”

Event participants will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets will be available for purchase on April 1 and must be bought in advance online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

Empty Bowls Dinner Promotes Hunger Awareness “Somewhere, Someone’s Bowl is Empty”

With more than 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, a movement is underway to educate the community about the level and impact of hunger in Franklin. A dinner featuring a simple meal of soup and bread will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger.

The 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School will remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event, co-hosted by the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry, is a family-friendly event and caters to all ages.

Kimberleigh Bearce and daughter Emmaleigh enjoy a
mother-daughter outing for a good cause
as they make clay bowls 

“We hope attendees gain a better awareness of the impact of hunger in our community,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Reducing hunger leads to a healthier community. If you aren’t hungry, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school. If we can work together to help our neighbors in need, our community will be stronger.”

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. They have also hosted bowl-making events open to the community.

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making the bowls, they will volunteer the night of the event. They were a huge help at our first dinner held last year which was a sell-out success and attracted 250 people. We are thrilled to be able to accommodate 350 attendees this year!”

Event participants will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets will be available for purchase on April 1 and must be bought in advance online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.